We are sorry to have to announce the sad news that Fred Beer passed away on Thursday Jan 31st.

He was very well known throughout the world of bowls having given much service to both Oxfordshire and England.

He held the County Presidency in 1975 & 1988, the only person to hold the office on two occasions other than prior to 1942 when it was not uncommon for the office to be held for a number of consecutive years. As well as being a past Match Secretary of the County, he was also brave enough to take on the Middleton Cup managers office.

Fred worked hard for the EBA especially at the National Championships as a member of the Tournament committee and was made a Honorary Life Member in 1996, the year after he had ben Chairman of the Home Counties Bowls Association.

His successes on the green included winning the County Pairs in 58, the Triples in ’63, ’65 and ’71 when his trio went on to reach the National final. In 1969 he won the Officers Cup.

Trials for England came his way in 1959, ’60, ’65 and he was a reserve in ’66.

No doubt there are many more attributes to his involvement in the world of bowls which are not listed here.